Estates Mechanical Engineer

Solent University; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Solent University in Southampton is seeking a driven Mechanical Building Services Lead to oversee the campus' mechanical team. You will manage planned maintenance, reactive works, and refurbishment projects, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and industry best practice.

You will own the BEMS, guide colleagues, coordinate with Estates and external contractors, and drive system optimisation. The role is full-time, based at the Southampton campus with occasional site travel, and aims

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the mechanical engineering team, driving performance and professional growth.
• Coordinate works with stakeholders, contractors and external agencies to maintain service excellence.
• Contribute to the Technical Services Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to support strategic decisions.
• Control and regulate heating, cooling and related mechanical services.
• Own the BEMS, making operational decisions and optimising the system.
• Collaborate with Estates FM Systems Manager to provide expert guidance on BEMS functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues flagged by BEMS fault and performance reporting.
• Full-time role; 37 hours/week, based at Southampton campus with occasional travel.

Job description

You will oversee the University's mechanical building services and Building Energy Management System (BEMS), leading your team in the delivery of planned maintenance, reactive works, remedial projects, and refurbishment activities. Ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements, regulations, and industry best practice will be central to your role. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will provide technical expertise and minor design input across a range of mechanical disciplines, including domestic water systems, heating systems, and HVAC systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on leading people, enhancing service delivery, and shaping the performance of a skilled mechanical team within a forward-thinking university environment. Your work will directly contribute to creating a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the mechanical engineering team, ensuring strong performance and professional growth
• Contribute actively to the Technical Services Senior Leadership Team (SLT), supporting strategic decision-making
• Manage workflow, priorities, and performance for direct reports, including leave, absences, and Progress and Development reviews (PDRs)
• Liaise with university stakeholders, contractors, and external agencies to coordinate works and maintain service excellence
• Provide effective control and regulation of heating, cooling, and associated mechanical services
• Take ownership of the BEMS, including operational decisions and system optimisation
• Work closely with the Estates FM Systems Manager to provide expert guidance on BEMS functionality
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified through BEMS fault and performance reporting systems
• This is a full-time role, working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You will be based at our Southampton campus, with occasional travel to satellite sites as required.

We offer 25 to 30 days of annual leave, plus a University-wide closure over the Christmas period, along with additional wellbeing and professional development days. Solent University offers an excellent benefits package. More Information.